DIY – the Original DTH ShovelFlag!

For a number of different reasons, there has been some entertaining Mumblechatter among the PAX in regard to YHC’s most superb ShovelFlag, created in preparation for our newest AO, The FORGE, starting 4/4/19. The original design seemed flimsy and labor intensive, so YHC developed a better design – stronger, lighter, and capable of lengthy extension.  For those of you interested in making your own version of the DTH Original, below are the necessary steps…

Historical Note: YHC’s Flag soared above the United States Capitol on the day of YHC’s Graduation from the Virginia Military Institute (May 14th, 2005). Rah Va Mil!!!

Step 1 – go to Lowes with ~$45 to purchase the following…

Badass Shovel: ~$18

https://m.lowes.com/pd/True-Temper-39-in-Fiberglass-Long-handle-Digging-Shovel/50223625

Extender Rod: ~$10

https://m.lowes.com/pd/Mr-LongArm-Twist-Lok-Steel-3-342-ft-to-6-075-ft-Telescoping-Threaded-Extension-Pole/1000524555

Eye Bolt & Nut:  ~$1 (can be any gauge, but long enough to go through extender rod)

https://m.lowes.com/pd/National-Hardware-5-16-in-x-3-25-in-Zinc-Plated-Steel-Plain-Eye-Bolt/1000367315

O-Ring: ~$1

https://m.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-Nickel-Plated-O-Ring/999971120

Spray Paint: ~$5

https://m.lowes.com/pd/Krylon-Professional-Gloss-Black-Spray-Paint-Actual-Net-Contents-15-oz/1000459705

American Flag: ~$10 (if you don’t already have one…)

https://m.lowes.com/pd/Independence-Flag-5-ft-W-x-3-ft-H-American-Flag/1197541

DIRECTIONS:

• Remove foam grip on Shovel & plastic grip on Extender (insert Extender into Shovel to confirm perfect fit)
• Remove all labels (use GooGone)
• Spray paint Shovel above blade
• Spray paint Extender’s yellow thread-top
• Let these items dry fully
• Drill hole through top of Extender ~1” below plastic threaded top (drill bit should be slighter wider than gauge of EyeBolt)
• Use manly brute strength and whatever tools on hand to slightly widen opening of Eyebolt, then hook Eye onto Flag’s top rivet hole
• Similarly separate and widen opening of O-Ring to hook onto Flag’s lowest rivet hole, then tighten O-ring back up (if possible
• Attach EyeBolt to top end of Extender (if desired, can use a bonding agent to lock nut securely on back end)
• Slip O-Ring over bottom end of Extender, then extend rod & hand-tighten to keep Flag & O-Ring on Extender rod
• Insert base of Extender into top of Shovel – only about 1” needed, otherwise difficult to remove
• Decorate as you see fit, though traditionally an F3 sticker on the Shovel head is recommended at minimum
• NOTE: Amazon sells excellent Vinyl stickers (white, 1-3” variety) if you would like to have words on the handle
• Now you’re ready for all things F3! …or at the very least, joining the Breakfast Club extra credit on Saturday mornings! AYE!